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NeighborWorks expands services to help people and families affected by COVID-19

Posted at 7:04 PM, Oct 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-21 21:04:17-04

NeighborWorks Great Falls recently expanded services to include assistance for people and families affected by COVID-19. These services help both renters and homeowners who are experiencing hardship resulting from the pandemic.



"We are at a point where we are starting to really reach out into the community and really reach out to our neighbors to see who might be in need of these programs to say, 'These are a resource, they're available and they're ready,’” explained Chelsey Hutmacher, NeighborWorks Fundraising & Outreach Coordinator.

NeighborWorks provided the following information in a news release:

NeighborWorks Great Falls Assistance

Rental Counseling & Eviction Prevention

Like our Financial Counseling services, Rental Counseling is now available specifically for those seeking more information about the following areas: rental contracts, budgeting, credit improvement, tenant rights, and savings.

Foreclosure Prevention Support

NeighborWorks Great Falls offers foreclosure prevention counseling to anyone struggling to pay their mortgage payments or keep their home. NeighborWorks counselors can help homeowners avoid foreclosure or help mitigate the impacts of foreclosure.

Individual Development Emergency Account for Savings (IDEAS), supported by United Way

Emergency Matched Savings Account

IDEAS provide the opportunity for a one-time match up to $250 after one full year of saving up to $500. This program is available to neighbors who want to establish emergency savings. The savings program is based on affordability for applicants.

Financial Relief

Individuals facing hardship and needing immediate financial relief may qualify for a maximum loan of $500 for emergency use. Upon approval, the participant will be set up on a payment plan to pay back the emergency loan to NeighborWorks Great Falls. Monthly payments are based on affordability. Participants will complete a spending plan, review their credit, and develop goals and plans to manage debt in the future during a free financial counseling session.

Montana Board of Housing Assistance

Emergency Housing Assistance Program

Montana Housing’s Emergency Housing Assistance provides resources from Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income loss because of COVID-19. Assistance can cover rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/or hazard insurance assistance. You can find more information and apply on their website, housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/CovidHousingAssist [housing.mt.gov]. Deadline to apply for assistance through the Montana Board of Housing is November 10, 2020.

NeighborWorks Great Falls realizes the importance of home now more than ever before. Organizations throughout Cascade County are here for you during this uncertain time. For those interested in applying for or learning more about any of the assistance listed above, contact NeighborWorks Great Falls at (406) 761-5861 or visit them on the web at nwgf.org [nwgf.org].